Spurrier, Bowden Let Bygones Be Bygones

JACKSONVILLE — Now that they no longer face each other, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and former Florida coach Steve Spurrier may have smoothed over their differences.

On Friday, the longtime rivals crossed paths for the first time in roughly three years and shared a warm handshake and a nearly full-fledged hug.

The summit meeting occurred in public, just before the annual Gator Bowl Hall of Fame and coaches luncheon on the grounds of Alltel Stadium.

"I think we have a pretty good relationship," Spurrier said after the luncheon ended. "You know, some things happened over 12 years during some games that led to some things being said, but it's all history now."

Bowden made the first move. Seated on the opposite end of the dais, Bowden stood up before the luncheon started, walked over to Spurrier and put his hand on Spurrier's back. Spurrier stood and they exchanged pleasantries as they smiled, shook hands and almost fully embraced.

"We just said hello, nothing about any prior games or anything," said Spurrier, one of four inductees to the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame. "I told him he looks great. His health looks wonderful."

During his luncheon speech, Bowden said someone had asked him what he thought of Spurrier, who is now the coach at South Carolina.